Few jazz ballads have been performed as consistently as this Thelonious Monk gem. Mike's version is a solo vehicle for alto sax and includes a double time feel that alternates with the traditional ballad tempo. Beautiful lines and striking harmonies help create a real standout arrangement.

Mark Taylor's arrangement of this classic early composition from Chick Corea starts with the saxes playing the rubato opening, followed by a moderate tempo Latin/rock groove. The main theme is stated first by a front line of alto, tenor and trumpet before the entire ensemble gets into the act. Solos are included for trumpet and piano.

This Mark Taylor original is written in a moderate samba style and starts with a quartet of alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone at the top. Also featured are ensemble riffs trading with solo drum fills. The flexible solo section is followed by a soft tutti ensemble section that builds to a powerful finish.

Michael Mossman takes Dizzy Gillespie's signature tune into new territory, with a touch of “mambo” in this distinctive arrangement. A perfect way to showcase a trumpet soloist, the full ensemble also plays in important role in this sophisticated and dynamic arrangement for little big band.

Composed as a tribute to jazz great Horace Silver, this chart is set in a moderate cha-cha groove and includes marvelous melodic lines and outstanding ensemble writing. Also included is a brief double time section and solo for tenor sax.

Perfect as a concert opener, this uptempo chart takes this standard tune through a variety of styles including samba, jazz waltz, funk, and half-time swing. Cleverly arranged by Mike Tomaro, this one is sure to turn some heads! Includes a solo for alto.

Made famous by John Coltrane, but treated here in a more traditional Afro-Latin style, this is something a little different for jazz ensemble. As with all Mossman charts, the rhythm section is meticulously notated to insure the correct style. The 3/4 pattern throughout draws heavily on African influences and the melody is masterfully passed from section to section. A single pentatonic scale works for the solo section making this a wonderful vehicle for involving many soloists.

Even though this is scored for just 6 horns, the writing is sophisticated and full sounding. Written in 3/4 but featuring an Afro-Cuban 6/8 groove, this marvelous chart includes solos for tenor or trumpet.

Arranged here in a Basie-style slow swing setting, this well-crafted chart starts out as a study in ensemble writing with the brass in buckets and the drums on brushes. Later there is a solo for trumpet followed by a shout chorus where the full band really lets loose. Quality writing for contests and festivals!

Arranged here in a unique samba setting, Michael Mossman provides some surprising twists and turns in this familiar Latin classic by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Every section gets into the act, along with a solo for tenor sax, soli spots for the saxes and brass, and some hard-hitting full ensemble passages.

One of the most famous jazz waltzes ever written, this Little Big Band setting of Miles Davis' classic skillfully uses the six-horn format to create an incredibly full sound. A flexible solo section is also featured. (Grade 4)

This one, kind of like my Blues for All from the too soon to tell set, is a disguised minor blues. In addition, it has a vamp at the end of each a section and an 8 bar bridge to take it out of the C minor tonality for a minute.

Using duet pairings mixed in with counterlines and background figures from the entire ensemble, this medium swing chart is scored for small band but still has a rich full sound. Includes solos for alto and trumpet. (Grade 4)

As recorded by Peggy Lee, Joe Williams, Count Basie and many others, this popular standard breathes new life under the masterful pen of Sammy Nestico. A flexible solo section allows for any combination of soloists.

From the James Williams CD “Alter Ego” (Sunnyside 1007) this beautiful arrangement features lush harmonies and a moderate tempo. The recording features a front line of Flute, Soprano Sax, and Guitar; however a more traditional instrumentation works effectively as well.

The Woody Herman Thundering Herd helped set a standard for exciting big band performances and well-crafted charts. This burner is one of Woody's trademark tunes and is arranged here in a powerful setting by Rick Stitzel.

Celebrating more than 40 years of funk and soul, the unmistakable sound of Tower of Power still sounds as fresh and impressive as ever. Mark's adaptation for 6 horns features the blazing horn lines and driving groove of the original. (Grade 4)

Haunting yet beautiful describes Michael's unique setting of this marvelous standard. Written in a moderately slow “bolero” style, this outstanding change of pace number features an alto sax soloist and a few ensemble surprises along the way.

Opening with the trombones on the head, here is a terrific swing tune written in a moderately fast bebop style. There is great interplay between sections and also solos for tenor and trumpet followed by a sax soli. Guaranteed fun!

Featuring a contemporary sounding groove utilizing even 8th notes, this familiar standard is given a unique treatment in the skilled hands of Mike Tomaro. A trio of tenor sax, trombone and guitar take the lead before yielding to the entire ensemble. The overall style is laid back but with an underlying rhythmic pulse and energy, with plenty of variety in scoring and dynamics.

Written in a fast 3/4, this gospel-inspired burner is as fun to play as it is to listen to. There is great interplay between sections of the band as layers of sound move in and out. Also included are hand claps and some “play any note you want” opportunities to really liven things up. The flexible solo section allows you to customize this to fit the strengths of your own band.

From David Sanborn's CD “Hearsay” comes this funky rock feature for alto sax. This authentic-sounding arrangement features alto and guitar on the melody, tight horn writing and requires a fairly mature rhythm section. A great way to add a contemporary edge to any concert or festival.